Santiago High School Student Recognized for US Naval Academy STEM Selection

Taylor Pereira, a sophomore at Santiago High School, received a letter of recognition from Corona City Mayor, Eugene Montanez for her academic accomplishments over the summer. Taylor was selected to attend the United States Naval Academy STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program. The program was held at the U.S. Naval Academy located in Annapolis, Maryland. The program has over 9000 annual applicants and Taylor was one of the 800 students from the United States selected to participate. Selection is based on accomplishments inside as well as outside the classroom.

Instructors for the program are current United States Naval Academy Instructors in the curricular areas associated with STEM. While at the week-long academy, participants were housed in the midshipmen quarters and supervised by a select group of senior midshipmen. The group of 800 ninth graders had a first-hand view of what it was like to be a student at the Naval Academy.

Following her time with the Navy, Taylor was also selected to participate in the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Boston, Massachusetts. This highly selective national program honors academically superior high school students who aspire to dedicate their careers to STEM field. Taylor received her nomination to the program from Buzz Aldrin, Colonel, USAF, retired NASA Astronaut. She was selected to represent Santiago High School based on her academic achievements, leadership potential, and passion for science and technology.

At the completion of the Naval Academy STEM program, she flew to Colorado Springs to attend a week of volleyball camp at the U.S. Air Force Academy where she was recognized as the most valuable player on her team. She then flew back to the Naval Academy for a week of rowing where she was recognized for her outstanding performance as a novice rower. Additionally, she played softball for the Santiago High School Sharks. Taylor has high hopes of attending the United States Naval Academy at the completion of high school.